There are many things that bring joy to my life: our church, spending time together as a family, being outside, and exercise.

One thing I enjoy that encompasses almost all of those things: hiking, but preferably in the mountains. A few years ago, my husband and I went on a short hike in Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, NC. Our kids were involved in a dance workshop that day, so it was just the two of us.

Yet another time, we hiked to Pearson’s Falls in Saluda, NC. It’s a very easy hike and it’s beautiful. We truly enjoyed it.

I love hiking to waterfalls or pretty views. It’s amazing to me just how beautiful God’s creation truly is. Hiking allows us to be outside God’s creation together while enjoying the beauty he created for us. What can be more joyous than that?